DeSSA Test Security Manual

DeSSA Test Security Manual

December 2014

Delaware Department of Education American Institutes for Research Office of Assessment 1000 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW 401 Federal Street, Suite 2 Washington, DC 20007 Dover, DE 19901


If you have any questions regarding the DeSSA Test Security Manual, please contact the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) Office of Assessment, at (302) 735-4090.

Important Contact Numbers

DeSSA Help Desk (877) 560-8331

DCAS-Alt1 Help Desk (877) 206-7039


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Table of Contents

1.0 DeSSA Assessment Testing System Overview ...................................................... 1

1.1 Program Overview ....................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Purpose ....................................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Test Security Manual Overview.................................................................................... 2

1.4 Importance of Test Security ......................................................................................... 2

1.5 Who Is Responsible for Test Security? ........................................................................ 3

1.6 Districts and Charter Schools Test Security Policy ....................................................... 4

2.0 Ensuring Test Security and Security Procedures................................................... 5

2.1 Policy Overview ........................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Security of the Test Environment ................................................................................. 5

2.3 Specific Requirements for the Security of the Test Environment .................................10

2.4 Secure Handling of Printed Materials ..........................................................................12

3.0 Responding to Testing Improprieties, Irregularities, and Breaches ....................14

3.1 Impact and Definitions ................................................................................................14

3.2 Reporting Timelines and Activities ..............................................................................14

3.3 Test Security Required Action Steps ...........................................................................15

3.4 Assessment Request System (ARS) ...........................................................................16

3.5 Reporting and Documenting of Security Incidents: Use of the Assessment Request System – Test Updates ..............................................................................................18

3.6 Consequences of Test Security Violations ..................................................................20

3.7 Incident Follow-Up Procedures ...................................................................................20

List of Appendices

Appendix A: Title 14, Subchapter IV of the Delaware Code

Appendix B: Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreements

Appendix C: Test Security Chart

Appendix D: What to Do When Guide

Appendix E: What to Do After Testing for Students


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1.0 DeSSA Assessment Testing System Overview

1.1 Program Overview

The Delaware System of Student Assessments (DeSSA) is a combination of national-, state-, and district-level administered assessments. The measured outcomes of each assessment and the curriculum assessed vary. The assessments are utilized for a variety of purposes, including determining the strengths and weaknesses of students as well as the instructional program.

This Test Security Manual has been approved by the Director of the Office of Assessment and will be reviewed and revised, as needed, on at least an annual basis. All District Test Coordinators (DTCs), School Test Coordinators (STCs), Test Administrators (TAs), and all support staff involved in the testing process are required to review and adhere to this security manual and coordinated security training. The following assessments are managed by the Office of Assessment.

1.1.1 National-Level Assessment

The following national-level assessments are administered in Delaware:

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – Grades 4, 8, and 12

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – Grades 9–12

Preliminary SAT Scoring Service (PSSS) – Grades 9–10

Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) – Grades 9–11

1.1.2 State-Level Assessments

Test materials, security guidelines, training, and administration procedures are provided by the Delaware Department of Education for the following state-level assessment:

Smarter English Language Arts (ELA)/Literacy and Mathematics Summative – grades 3–8 and 11

Smarter Interim Comprehensive Assessment (ICA) ELA/Literacy and Mathematics – grades 3–8 and 11

Smarter Interim Block Assessments (IAB) ELA/Literacy and Mathematics – grades 3–12

Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS) – Science – grades 5, 8, and 10

DCAS – Social Studies – grades 4 and 7

DCAS End-of-Course (EOC) US History, Algebra II, and Integrated Mathematics III – high school

DCAS-Alt1 Reading and Mathematics – grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-10

DCAS-Alt1 Science – grades 5, 8, and 10

DCAS-Alt1 Social Studies – grades 4, 7, and 9

ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs) –grades K-12

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs – grades K–12



1.1.3 District Level

Delaware public school districts and charter schools offer district-/charter-level assessments. Schools should follow security protocols as defined for each assessment. These assessments could include the following:

All Delaware Performance Appraisal System (DPAS) II Component V assessments offered by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) in use as measurements for teacher accountability ratings.

1.2 Purpose

This Test Security Manual sets forth test security policies, procedures, and responsibilities for the Delaware System of Student Assessments (DeSSA). The security of assessment instruments and the confidentiality of student information are vital.

All state assessment items and test materials are secure and must also be appropriately handled. Secure handling protects the integrity, validity, and confidentiality of assessment instruments, items, prompts, and student information. Any deviation in test administration must be reported as a test security incident, as described in this manual, to ensure the continued validity of the assessment results. Failure to honor security severely jeopardizes district and state accountability requirements and the accuracy of student data.

This publication contains guidelines prepared by the DDOE to help build a common understanding of what practices are appropriate and to ensure district personnel, principals, teachers, and other school personnel have the information required to implement a secure, uniform administration of the DeSSA assessments.

1.3 Test Security Manual Overview

This Test Security Manual includes definitions, policies, and procedures for the regulation of all aspects of test security.

Among other things, the elements of this manual are intended to provide greater protection of DeSSA intellectual property, to reduce test fraud and theft, and to maintain high program standards and integrity. This Manual may also be used to train staff and as a reference to structure security roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.

1.4 Importance of Test Security

It is important to maintain test security in order to protect the integrity of the assessments and to ensure that results are accurate and meaningful. Test security goals include:

1. To provide secure assessments that result in valid and reliable scores.

2. To adhere to high professional standards in all aspects of the assessment.

3. To maintain consistency across all testing occasions and sites.

4. To protect the investment of resources, time, and energy in the assessment.

5. To protect student information and maintain confidentiality.

Maintaining the security and confidentiality of DeSSA is critical for ensuring valid test scores and providing standard and equal testing opportunities for all students. Test security has always been essential and continues to be vital in the age of high-stakes testing and accountability.



Copying, reproducing, paraphrasing, or directly using test materials in instructional activities represents a breach of test security and is a violation of federal copyright laws, Delaware Administrative Code, and State Board of Education policy.

1.5 Who Is Responsible for Test Security?

Every individual who interacts with the assessments, communicates test results, and/or receives testing information is responsible for test security. This includes:

Delaware Department of Education staff

District administrators and heads of charter schools

District test coordinators

School test coordinators

Test administrators

Certified and noncertified public school staff

Students, parents, and the community at large

Primary user roles and responsibilities for the DeSSA assessments are provided in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1: User Roles in the Testing System

User Role Description of Responsibilities

State User (State)

State Users (State) will be responsible for:

1. Reviewing and resolving test security incidents as submitted by local education agencies (LEAs);

2. Approving appeals for resets, reopens, or invalidations; and

3. Coordinating with necessary test vendor, district, or department where appropriate.

District Test Coordinator (DTC)

DTCs are responsible for the following:

1. Ensuring that the STCs and TAs in their districts are appropriately trained regarding the DeSSA assessment administration and security policies and procedures;

2. Reporting test security incidents to the state via Assessment Request System (ARS) submission process for incidents; and

3. General oversight responsibilities for all administration activities in their schools.

School Test Coordinator (STC)

STCs are responsible for:

1. Identifying TAs and ensuring they are properly trained;

2. Coordinating with TAs so they administer tests in the appropriate grade(s) and content area(s) for their school;

3. Creating or approving testing schedules and procedures for the school (consistent with state and district policies);

4. Working with technology staff to ensure that necessary secure browsers are installed and any other technical issues are resolved;

5. Monitoring testing progress during the testing window and ensuring that all students participate as appropriate;

6. Addressing testing problems as needed;

7. Mitigating and reporting all test security incidents in a manner consistent with national, state, and district policies; and



User Role Description of Responsibilities

8. General oversight responsibilities for all administration activities in their school and they oversee TAs.

Test Administrator (TA)

TAs are responsible for:

1. Completing all assessment-related training based on the assessments they will be administering.

2. Reviewing all assessment related policy and administration documents prior to administering any DeSSA assessments.

3. Viewing student information prior to testing to ensure that the correct student receives the proper test with the appropriate supports.

4. Securely administering the state assessments for which they have been certified.

5. Reporting all potential test security incidents to their STC and DTC in a manner consistent with state and district policies.

1.6 Districts and Charter Schools Test Security Policy

All districts and charter schools are required to have a policy on security, and the policy and consequences should be made known to all staff involved with test administration. To protect the security of the tests, each district and charter school must establish written procedures that address the following components:

Training for all Test Administrators applicable to assessments to be administered

Identification of personnel authorized to administer the assessment

Procedures for investigating any alleged violation of test security provisions

Procedures for annually communicating in writing the test security provisions and discussing them with all district/charter employees and students

According to their roles, all staff should be well-versed with the appropriate assessment-related publications as identified on the DeSSA Portal.

http://de.portal.airast.org/



2.0 Ensuring Test Security and Security Procedures

2.1 Policy Overview

Title 14 – Education, Subchapter IV, State Assessment Security and Violations, of the Delaware Code outlines the rules and regulations to ensure the security of the assessment administration, collection, and reporting of assessment data. Title 14, Subchapter IV, in its entirety is located in Appendix A of this Test Security Manual

2.2 Security of the Test Environment

2.2.1 Appropriate Assessment Practices

The following is a compilation of appropriate assessment practices. These practices should be used to determine whether or not a specific practice related to the assessment is consistent with the principles of performing one’s duties with integrity, honesty, and fairness to all. Adhering to these practices will also ensure the integrity of the assessment process and the reliability and validity of assessments and interpretation of results.

Each district/charter and school must ensure that all appropriate staff has training and knowledge of these appropriate assessment practices and must monitor the practices of all staff to ensure compliance.

Communication:

Communicate in writing at least once annually the standards defining what is an unethical or inappropriate practice to all appropriate staff.

Clearly define and communicate in writing at least once annually how the standards will be monitored, what sanctions will apply for any violations of the standards, and under what circumstances such sanctions will apply, to all appropriate staff.

Clearly define and communicate to all appropriate staff in writing at least once annually all security procedures established by the school or school district for a secure assessment.

Training:

Require personnel responsible for the testing program to be properly instructed and to complete DeSSA training for the assessment’s appropriate test administration and security procedures.

Require all personnel associated with the assessment process to read and sign Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreements. See Appendix B for all Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreement forms. Forms will be maintained at the location indicated on the document. The following roles require a form to be completed:

District Superintendent/Charter School Chief

District Test Coordinator

School Test Coordinator

School Principal

Test Administrator

Support Staff



Provide any other information and training necessary to ensure that all appropriate staff has the knowledge and skills necessary to make appropriate decisions to prepare students for an assessment, to administer an assessment, and to interpret or use any result of an assessment.

Establish written procedures for reviewing what materials and practices should be used to prepare students for an assessment and clearly communicate in writing these procedures, materials, and practices at least once annually to all appropriate staff.

Periodically review materials and practices related to preparing students for an assessment, administering an assessment, and interpreting or using any result of an assessment in order to ensure that the materials and practices are up to date and clearly communicate in writing any additions or changes at least once annually to all appropriate staff.

Prohibit any person without sufficient and appropriate knowledge, skills, or training from administering an assessment.

The district/charter office should develop the following policies and incorporate in local training:

Electronics policy – to include prohibiting cell phone usage and other electronic devices in the testing area.

After-testing policy – refer to Appendix E: What to Do After Testing for Students for suggestions for after-testing policy.

Examples:

Testing personnel did not use the Test Administrator manual or failed to read the test administration script verbatim as outlined in the manual.

A Test Administrator did not issue the correct materials (i.e., graph paper, formula sheets) or students were incorrectly permitted to use nonallowable materials.

A student was permitted to test beyond the allowed time or was not provided the full time allotment to complete an assessment.

Personnel were permitted to administer tests, monitor test sessions, or handle secure materials even though they had not been properly trained or did not sign the appropriate test security forms and nondisclosure agreements.

A Test Administrator failed to remove or cover all instructional displays.

How to avoid:

Notify Coordinators and Test Administrators which personnel are authorized and delegated to monitor or relieve Test Administrators.

Make sure that Coordinators verify with Test Administrators which supplemental materials are allowed or required for each subject and for each test.

Confirm that a sufficient number of staff have been properly trained in test administration procedures.

Make certain that coordinators have verified that all Test Administrators are in possession of the appropriate manual(s) and directions on the days of testing.

Verify that testing personnel were issued the correct manuals in advance of training so they could read them thoroughly.



Assessment Preparation:

Prohibit any student preparation that undermines the reliability and/or validity of an assessment.

Prohibit teachers from providing any preparation that includes a question, task, graph, chart, passage, or other material included in an assessment and/or material that is a paraphrase or highly similar in content to what is on an assessment. This is relevant to all DeSSA assessments.

Prohibit student preparation for an assessment that focuses primarily on the assessment, including its format, rather than on the objectives being assessed.

Examples of Assessment Preparation:

Directly or indirectly assisting students with responses to test questions.

Tampering with student responses

Falsifying student performance data

Viewing secure test content before, during, or after an administration, unless specifically authorized to do so by the procedures outlined in the test administration material(s)

Discussing secure test content, student responses, or student performance

Duplicating, recording, or capturing electronically secure test content

Fraudulently exempting or preventing a student from the administration of a required state assessment

How to avoid:

Ensure that Test Administrators understand how to address students who might request assistance or drift off task during an assessment. Make sure that testing personnel have a reliable means to request assistance if they encounter an issue they are uncertain how to handle.

Stress that test content should not be viewed or discussed even AFTER the test administration has been completed (e.g., in the classroom with students or in a faculty or team meeting). This applies to discussions regarding the specific content of tests. It is not considered inappropriate for teachers to talk with their students about their testing experience or the test in general as long as the conversation does not become specific.

Reinforce to all testing personnel the proper procedures for conducting an oral administration—particularly those that prohibit Test Administrators from solving test items or discussing secure content or student performance.

Verify that all formula charts or graph paper that have been written upon and removed from the test booklet and any scratch paper used and written upon are destroyed immediately after test sessions are completed.

Verify that campuses have designated and are using a sufficient number of testing personnel to adequately monitor the test administration.

Assessment Administration:

Remove or cover all displays related to assessment content prior to the administration of a state test. Complete practice test and training test, as appropriate, and review security procedures.



Prohibit staff from prompting or assisting students in any manner with their answers.

Prohibit possession of any electronic devices, including cell phones, by students while taking a state test.

Require students to follow the testing guidelines in the Test Administration Manual (TAM) based on the calculator policy for the specific assessment.

Administer tests only during the testing windows established by DDOE.

Require Test Administrators of standardized tests to rigorously follow the appropriate administrative procedures as directed in the TAM.

Ensure that all Test Administrators strive to create a positive testing environment.

Prohibit Test Administrators from indicating answers, pointing out the rationale of an item, or prompting students in any manner.

Monitor students, Test Administrators, by walking around unobtrusively, to ensure appropriate test-taking procedures and test security measures are followed.

Provide students with only the references or tools specifically designated in test.

Provide accommodations, as appropriate, for students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, or ELLs.

Prohibit any practice immediately preceding or during an assessment that assists a student in the assessment, including the use of a gesture, facial expression, body language, language, or any other action or sound that may guide a student’s response; and providing to a student any definition or clarification of the meaning of a word or term contained in an assessment, other than that specified in the TAM.

Administer state assessments as prescribed in the TAM and the Delaware Smarter ELA and Mathematics Online, Summative, Test Administration Manual

Supervise students at all times during testing sessions.

Examples:

A Test Administrator left a room unmonitored when students or secure materials were present or when secure online assessments were open and visible.

A Test Administrator left secure materials unattended or secure online assessments open and visible during a break.

A Test Administrator did not actively monitor students and did not detect the improper use of a dictionary or calculator.

Students who had not finished testing were not properly monitored during a break.

A Test Administrator did not ensure that students worked independently during testing.

Students were not prevented from using cell phones or any other electronic device to take pictures or send messages.

A student who is eligible to participate in an assessment was not administered the correct test.

A student was administered a regular assessment when he or she should have taken the Alternate assessment.



A student was provided an unapproved accommodation or did not receive an accommodation that was documented in his or her IEP.

How to avoid:

Emphasize that Test Administrators are not allowed to leave examinees or materials unattended.

Instruct Test Administrators to immediately notify the appropriate testing personnel when improper student behavior has been detected.

Clearly establish which Test Administrators will be relieved during breaks and by whom.

Periodically check test sessions to ensure that Test Administrators are actively monitoring.

Ensure that you have identified and accounted for all eligible testers, including newly enrolled students or students whose assessment requirements might have changed just prior to an administration.

Verify the grade level and testing status of all newly enrolled students.

Confirm with appropriate personnel that you are using the most up-to-date information regarding students’ testing eligibility.

Verify your roster(s) to confirm where students are supposed to be testing.

Establish procedures for ensuring that all students are present in or directed to the correct testing location.

Consider putting a process in place to confirm after testing that all students were administered the correct assessment.

Verify with coordinators and Test Administrators the accommodations and resources to be provided to each student.

Ensure that coordinators are cognizant of recent changes in testing requirements for students receiving special education services.

Physical Security:

Secure all state test materials prior to, during, and following each test administration and prohibit unauthorized access to secure test questions at all times. Test materials should be stored in a locked and secured central location by the DTC or STC. Not limited to but including, scratch paper.

Prohibit the copying or reproducing of any portion of the secure test book and writing prompt.

Prohibit the creation, sharing, or distribution of answer keys to tests.

Prohibit any form of cheating.

Return all secured test materials to the publishing company following the procedures outlined in the TAM. Establish and implement procedures to ensure maximum test security and limit access of secure materials to authorized personnel only.

Ensure that the DTC is responsible for the test booklets received by the school district. The DTC should maintain a record of the booklets sent to each school in accordance with the TAM.



Before each test administration, materials must be distributed and stored according to instructions provided with the test. Tests must be secured at all times during test administration, including all breaks in the testing sequence. All test booklets and answer sheets, if applicable, must be counted, reconciled, and returned to a centrally located, locked, and secured area immediately upon the completion of each daily testing session.

Prohibit students from having access to secure test questions or answer keys.

Ensure that no secure test materials, questions, or student responses are retained, reproduced, paraphrased, or discussed in any manner.

Prohibit the reproduction of assessment materials regardless of the medium or purpose of the reproduction.

The District and School Test Coordinators are responsible for the following overall assessment security activities:

Cooperate with DDOE in conducting an investigation of any alleged inappropriate assessment practice.

Report any observed test security violation to the DDOE, Office of Assessment, including: missing materials, testing misadministration, copyright infringement, and other deviations from acceptable security requirements by completing the documentation in the Assessment Request System (ARS).

Uphold the integrity and accuracy of the testing by preventing any dishonest or fraudulent behavior and promoting a fair and equitable testing environment.

Ensure that no one compromises test security or the accuracy of the test data score results by manipulating the test administration, demographic data, or the students’ answers or data.

Ensure that student test scores and test performance are not disclosed to any unauthorized person.

Encourage the community to voice any concern about any practice that they may consider inappropriate by contacting the Office of Assessment.

Establish written procedures for investigating any complaint, allegation, or concern about an inappropriate practice. The procedures should ensure the protection of individuals’ rights, the integrity of an assessment, and the integrity of assessment results.

Prohibit the use of any assessment for purposes other than that for which it was intended.

2.3 Specific Requirements for the Security of the Test Environment

Table 2-1 describes security requirements for the test environment during various stages of testing. The test environment refers to all aspects of the testing situation while students are testing and includes what a student can see, hear, or access (including access via technology).



Table 2-1: Requirements of the Test Environment

Requirement Description

Before Testing

Instructional materials removed or covered

Instructional materials must be removed or covered, including but not limited to:

Information displayed on bulletin boards, chalkboards, or dry-erase boards

Charts such as wall charts that contain literary definitions, maps, mathematics formulas, etc.

Other surfaces that might assist students in answering questions

Student seating Students must be seated so there is enough space between them to minimize opportunities to look at each other’s work, or they should be provided with tabletop partitions.

Signage If helpful, place a “Testing—Do Not Disturb” sign on the door or post signs in halls and entrances rerouting hallway traffic in order to promote optimum testing conditions.

During Testing

Quiet environment Provide a quiet environment void of talking or other distractions that might interfere with a student’s ability to concentrate or might compromise the testing situation.

Students supervised Students are actively supervised during the entire administration process.

Access to electronic devices

Students are free from access to unauthorized electronic devices that allow availability to outside information, communication among students, or photographing or copying test content. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), iPods, cameras, and electronic translation devices.

Access to allowable resources only

Students must only have access to and use of those allowable resources identified by Smarter Balanced that are permitted for each specific assessment (or portion of an assessment).

Access to assessments

Only students who are testing can observe assessment items. Students who are not being tested or unauthorized staff must not be in the room where a test is being administered. Based on the item type (i.e., performance tasks), trained TAs may also have limited exposure to assessment items in the course of properly administering the assessment; however, even TAs and other staff may not actively review or analyze any assessment items.

No answer key may be developed

No form or type of answer key may be developed for test items.

Testing through secure browser

Administration of the Smarter Assessment is permitted only through the Student Interface via a secure browser.

During and After Testing

No access to responses

TAs are not permitted to review student responses in the testing interface or students’ notes on scratch paper.

No copies of test materials

Unless needed as a print-on-demand or braille accommodation, no copies of the test items, stimuli, reading passages, performance task materials, or writing prompts may be made or otherwise retained.

No access to digital, electronic, or manual devices

No digital, electronic, or manual device may be used to record or retain an item, reading passage, or prompt. Similarly, these materials must not be discussed with or released to anyone via any media, including fax, email, social media websites, etc.



Requirement Description

No retaining, discussing, or releasing test materials

Descriptions of test items, stimuli, printed reading passages, or writing prompts must not be retained, discussed, or released to anyone.

No reviewing, discussing, or analyzing test materials

Staff and TAs may not review, discuss, or analyze test items, stimuli, reading passages, or writing prompts at any time, including before, during, or after testing. Student interaction during a test is limited to what is necessary for the purpose of a performance task (PT).

After Testing

No test materials used for instructions

Test items, stimuli, reading passages, or writing prompts must not be used for instruction.

Secure storage of PT materials

The only exception to the requirement governing the destruction of printed materials and scratch paper is when notes are used during the ELA and mathematics PTs. During the ELA PT, the notes on the embedded universal tool, Global Notes, are retained from Part 1 to Part 2 so that the student may return to the notes even though the student is not able to go back to specific items in Part 1.

Secure disposal of materials

The destruction of printed materials and scratch paper is required after the completion of any test administration session. Please see above for exception.

TAs and STCs or other individuals who have witnessed, been informed of, or suspect the possibility of a test security incident that could potentially affect the integrity of the tests or the data should follow the steps outlined in Section 3.0, Responding to Testing Improprieties, Irregularities, and Breaches of this manual.

2.4 Secure Handling of Printed Materials

For those students whose Section 504 Plan or Individual Education Plan (IEP) expresses a need for a paper copy of passages or items, permission for the students to receive this accommodation must first be set in DeSSA Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) 72 hours prior to testing.

For those students whose 504 Plan or IEP expresses a need for a paper copy of passages or stimuli, permission for the students to request this accommodation must first be set in DeSSA TIDE 72 hours prior to testing. This information is entered in the Assessment Accommodations application.

Print requests must be approved and processed by the TA during test administration. The decision to allow students to use print on demand must be made on an individual student basis and is available only for students with an IEP or 504 Plan. However, utilizing the print-on-demand functionality does not allow a printed version of the entire online test due to its adaptive nature.

Once a student is approved to receive the printing of test items/passages, that student may send a print request to the TA during testing by clicking on the print icon on the screen. Before the TA approves the student’s request to print a test item/stimulus, the TA must ensure that the printer is on and is monitored by staff that has completed Test Administrator training for the test. This request needs to be individually made for each item.



2.4.1 Use of Scratch Paper on Performance Tasks (PTs)

The only exception to the requirement governing the destruction of printed materials and scratch paper is when notes are used during the ELA and mathematics PTs. During the ELA PT, the notes on the embedded universal tool, Global Notes, are retained from Part 1 to Part 2 so that the student may return to the notes even though the student is not able to go back to specific items in Part 1.

While the embedded Global Notes are the preferred mode for note taking, students may use scratch paper to make notes. To ensure that students using scratch paper for notes have the same allowance as students using the online notes, TAs should collect students’ scratch paper at the completion of Part 1 of the ELA PT and securely store it for students’ use during Part 2 of the ELA PT. Prior to collecting scratch paper for use in a subsequent session, TAs should ensure that students have written their names (or some appropriate identifying information) on the notes so that they can be redistributed securely.

Likewise, the mathematics PT may extend beyond one testing session. When this happens in grades 6 and above, TAs should collect the scratch paper and/or graph paper used in the first session and securely store it for students’ use in the subsequent testing session.

Caution: The retention of scratch paper is only allowed for the PTs. Following the conclusion of the PT, all scratch paper and/or graph paper must be collected and securely destroyed to maintain test security.

2.4.2 Destruction of Printed Materials and Scratch Paper

Printed materials from the print-on-demand accommodation and scratch paper must be kept in a securely locked room or locked cabinet that can be opened only with a key or keycard by staff that is responsible for test administration and who has signed a DDOE test security form. All test materials must remain secure at all times. Printed test items/passages, including embossed braille printouts and scratch paper, must be collected and inventoried at the end of each test session and then immediately shredded. DO NOT keep printed test items/passages or scratch paper for future test sessions except as noted below for performance tasks (PTs).



3.0 Responding to Testing Improprieties, Irregularities, and Breaches

Test security incidents, such as improprieties, irregularities, and breaches, are behaviors prohibited either because they give a student an unfair advantage or because they compromise the secure administration of the assessment. Whether intentional or by accident, failure to comply with security rules, either by staff or students, constitutes a test security incident. Improprieties, irregularities, and breaches need to be reported in accordance with the instructions in this section for each severity level. Definitions for improprieties, irregularities, and breaches are provided in Table 3-1.

This section refers to documentation and reporting of incidents involving test security. Refer to to Appendix C: Test Security Chart for a list of test security incident levels and examples of types of issues.

3.1 Impact and Definitions

Table 3-1: Definitions for Test Security Incidents

Type Definition

Impropriety An unusual circumstance that has a low impact on the individual or group of students who are testing and has a low risk of potentially affecting student performance on the test, test security, or test validity. These circumstances can be corrected and contained at the local level. An impropriety should be reported to the DTC and STC immediately and in Assessment Request System (ARS) within 24 hours of the incident.

Irregularity An unusual circumstance that impacts an individual or group of students who are testing and may potentially affect student performance on the test, test security, or test validity. These circumstances can be corrected and contained at the local level and submitted in the online appeals system for resolution. An irregularity should be reported to the DTC and STC immediately and entered in ARS by the end of the day.

Breach An event that poses a threat to the validity of the test. Examples may include such situations as a release of secure materials or a repeatable security/system risk. These circumstances have external implications for the Consortium and may result in a Consortium decision to remove the test item(s) from the available secure bank. A breach incident must be reported immediately in the ARS and DDOE’s Office of Assessment should be contacted immediately.

It is important for Test Administrators to make sure the physical conditions in the testing room meet the criteria for a secure test environment. See Section 2.3: Security of the Test Environment for more detail.

3.2 Reporting Timelines and Activities

Improprieties are escalated in accordance with state policies and procedures, protocols, and/or guidelines within 24 hours of the incident by individual districts into the ARS.

Irregularities must be escalated by the end of the day of the incident to the state level via the ARS.

A breach requires immediate notification/escalation by telephone to the state level by the DTC, followed by documentation in the ARS.



For examples of test security incidents, please refer to Appendix C: Test Security Chart.

3.3 Test Security Required Action Steps

The Test Security Required Action Steps below depict the required actions to each test security incident in a process flow diagram format.

3.3.1 Impropriety

An impropriety is an unusual circumstance that has a low impact on the individual or group of students who are testing and has a low risk of potentially affecting student performance on the test, test security, or test validity. Example: student(s) leaving the testing room without authorization.

3.3.2 Irregularity

An irregularity is an unusual circumstance that impacts an individual or group of students who are testing and may potentially affect student performance on the test, test security, or test validity. These circumstances can be contained at the local level. Example: disruptions during the test session such as a fire drill.



3.3.3 Breach

A breach is a test administration event that poses a threat to the validity of the test. Breaches require immediate attention and escalation to the state agency. Examples may include such situations as exposure of secure materials or a repeatable security/system risk. These circumstances have external implications. Example: administrators modifying student answers, or test items shared in social media.

3.4 Assessment Request System (ARS)

The ARS is used to document test security incidents and should be used by all districts and charter schools. This system is used to record any security incidents as described above. Please see Assessment Request System Users Guide on the DeSSA Portal for more detail. Each District Test Coordinator (DTC) and School Test Coordinator (STC) should have access to this application. More serious incidents will be reported either immediately (breach) or by the end of the day (irregularities). For specific examples of irregularities, improprieties, and breaches see Appendix D: What to Do When Guide,

The ARS provides the method of submission for the following types of assessment requests/actions:

1. Incident – This should be submitted to identify any situation that occurs outside the normal administration and operation of DeSSA assessments.

2. Special Exemption – This allows for the submission of exemptions for any students who should be exempted for DeSSA assessment testing.

3. Unique Accommodation – This request type allows for the submission and request of any unique accommodations that are not currently supported for DeSSA Assessment types.

4. Test Update – This request type allows for the request of resets, re-opens, and invalidations of DeSSA Assessments.

5. Data Review – This request type allows for the request to review student, accommodation, or user data issues for DeSSA Assessments.

http://de.portal.airast.org/



6. Security Incident – This allows for the report of any incident or issues that violate DeSSA Test Security Policy.

3.4.1 Overall Assessment Security Reminders

Each participating school shall cooperate with DDOE in conducting an investigation of any alleged inappropriate assessment practice.

Report any observed test security violation to the DTC and DDOE’s Office of Assessment, including reporting: missing materials, testing misadministration, copyright infringement, and other deviations from acceptable security requirements by completing an incident report via ARS.

Uphold the integrity and accuracy of testing by preventing any fraudulent behavior and promoting a fair and equitable testing environment.

Ensure that no one compromises test security or the accuracy of the test data score results by manipulating the test administration, demographic data, or the students’ answers or data.

Ensure that student test scores and test performance are not disclosed to any unauthorized person.

Encourage the community to voice any concern about any practice that they may consider inappropriate by contacting DDOE’s Office of Assessment.

Establish written procedures for investigating any complaint, allegation, or concern about an inappropriate practice. The procedures should ensure the protection of individuals’ rights, the integrity of an assessment, and the integrity of assessment results.

Prohibit the use of any assessment for purposes other than that for which it was intended.

3.4.2 District/Charter and School Administration Violations

Any practice that supports or assists others in conducting inappropriate preparation activities.

Any practice that supports or assists any person in inappropriate practices during administration or scoring of an assessment.

Any practice that corrects or alters any student’s response to an assessment either during or following the administration of an assessment.

Any practice of excluding one or more students from an assessment due in-part because a student has not performed well or may not perform well on the assessment, or because the aggregate performance of a group may be affected by the student’s performance on the assessment.

Any practice that results in a potential conflict of interest or exerts an undue influence on a person administering or scoring an assessment.

Any practice that either makes or appears to make an assessment process unfair.



3.5 Reporting and Documenting of Security Incidents: Use of the Assessment Request System – Test Updates

For security and other incidents that result in a need to invalidate, reset, reopen, or restore individual student assessments, the request must be approved by the Office of Assessment through the Assessment Request System. After this is complete the actual request for the invalidation, reset, reopen, or restore will be completed by the Office of Assessment.

In some cases an appeal may be submitted to address incidents that are not security related such as reopening an assessment for a student who becomes ill and is unable to resume testing until after testing has expired. These would be done through the Test Update module in the ARS.

The test updates and conditions for use are described in the following table.

Table 3-2: Test Update Types

Update Type Description Conditions for Use

Reset Resetting a student’s test removes that test from the system and enables the student to start a new test.

The State may reset any test (CAT or PT) if any of the following settings need to be changed because they were incorrectly set:

American Sign Language – for mathematics and ELA listening

Braille – braille is a language setting

Closed captioning – for ELA listening stimuli

Streamlined interface – the streamlined interface is a test shell setting

Translation-stacked – for mathematics tests only—Note: stacked translations are automatically provided when the selected language is Spanish

Translation-glossary – for mathematics tests only

Text-to-speech as an accommodation – e.g., for ELA reading passages in grades 6–8 or 11—Note: text-to-speech for items only is a designated support and NOT a valid reset request

Any nonembedded accommodation(s). Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

Additional Testing Irregularity Considerations

CAT:

Student has been presented with five items or fewer. Enter as Testing Irregularity: NO.

Student has been presented with more than five items. Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

PT:

Student has been presented with any items in a performance. Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.



Update Type Description Conditions for Use

Invalidation Invalidating a student’s test eliminates the test. The test will not be scored.

The State may invalidate any test (CAT or PT):

If there is a test security breach. Enter as Test Breach: YES.

If the test is administered in a manner inconsistent with the TAM. Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

If there is a testing session in which a student deliberately does not attempt to respond appropriately to questions. Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

Note 1: Invalidated tests will not be scored.

Note 2: After reviewing the circumstances of an incident, a state may elect only to document the above conditions as testing irregularities, rather than to invalidate the test.

Reopen Reopening a test allows a student to access a test that has already been submitted or has expired.

If an expired test is reopened, the test will reopen at the location at which the student stopped the assessment.

1 The

student will be able to review items within the current segment of the test but cannot return to previous segments.

If a submitted test is reopened, the test will reopen at the last page of the assessment. The student can review items in the current segment but cannot return to previous segments.

The State may reopen any test (CAT or PT) if a student is unable to complete a test due to a technological difficulty that results in the expiration of the test. Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

The State may reopen a CAT if a student is unable to complete the test before it expires (45 days) due to an unanticipated excused absence or unanticipated school closure. Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

The State may reopen a PT:

If a student is unable to complete the test before it expires (10 days) due to an unanticipated excused absence or unanticipated school closure. Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

If a student starts a PT unintentionally—for example, selects a PT instead of a CAT or selects a mathematics PT instead of an ELA PT—and the student is unable to complete the test before it expires (10 days). Enter as Testing Irregularity: YES.

If a student unintentionally submits a test before he or she has completed it—for example, a student submits the ELA PT before completing part 2. Enter as Testing Irregularity: NO.

Restore Restoring a test returns a test from the reset status to its prior status. This action can only be performed on tests that have been reset.

The State may only restore a test if a test was inadvertently or inappropriately reset.

1 A test that is reopened following expiration will remain open for 10 calendar days from the date it was

reopened.



3.6 Consequences of Test Security Violations

Administrators, certified and non-certified school staff, students, and parents must adhere to appropriate testing practices. Consequences of violations may include the invalidation of student test results and liability for copyright infringement.

Disciplinary measures for educators and school staff may be determined at the employment level based on a school board’s policy and the severity of the test security violations. Examples might include a written reprimand, suspension, or termination of contract. The DDOE may also pursue its own sanctions of department-licensed individuals for testing irregularities.

Conduct that violates the security and confidentiality of a test is defined as any departure from the test administration procedures established in this security manual and other test administration materials. Conduct of this nature may include, but is not limited to, the following acts and omissions:

1. Changing or altering a response or answer of an examinee to a secure test item;

2. Aiding or assisting an examinee with a response or answer to a secure test item;

3. Providing, suggesting, or indicating to an examinee a response or answer to a secure test item;

4. Duplicating secure examination materials;

5. Disclosing the contents of any portion of a secure test;

6. Failing to report to an appropriate authority that an individual has engaged in conduct outlined in the items listed above;

7. Fraudulently exempting or preventing a student from the administration of a required state assessment; or

8. Encouraging or assisting an individual to engage in the conduct described in the items above.

Any person who violates, assists in the violation of, or solicits another to violate or assist in the violation of test security or confidentiality as well as any person who fails to report such a violation is subject to the following penalties:

1. Placement of restrictions on the issuance, renewal, or holding of a Delaware educator certificate, either indefinitely or for a set term;

2. Issuance of an inscribed or non-inscribed reprimand;

3. Suspension of a Delaware educator certificate for a set term; or

4. Revocation or cancellation of a Delaware educator certificate without opportunity for reapplication either for a set term or permanently.

In addition, any irregularities in test security or confidentiality may result in the invalidation of students’ assessments.

3.7 Incident Follow-Up Procedures

3.7.1 Incident Reporting

Despite how well prepared testing personnel may be, the possibility still exists that a mistake will be made. When incidents occur, it is important to have procedures in place to help ensure that all the necessary information is gathered so the district can make a clear determination about what occurred. All confirmed testing irregularities must be reported to the DDOE’s Office of Assessment via the Assessment Request System (ARS). District Test Coordinators must



immediately notify the DDOE’s Office of Assessment via telephone as soon as they are made aware of any alleged or suspected violations that fall under the category of a serious irregularity. The nature of serious allegations requires an immediate investigation by the district in order to gather all necessary information while the involved individuals are still available and able to recall details. Districts must ensure that all testing personnel are aware of their obligation to report testing irregularities and can easily access local reporting procedures.

Reporting requirements differ based on the severity of the confirmed or alleged violation. Therefore, district coordinators must determine whether the incident is a serious or procedural irregularity. However, the contents of all reports submitted to the DDOE’s Office of Assessment must clearly lay out the sequence of events and include the district’s determination in the matter.

3.7.2 Reporting Requirements for Low Improprieties

Because low improprieties are often the result of minor errors that do not generally represent severe breaches in test security or confidentiality, they require only the submission of an Online Incident Report via ARS. If more information is needed, DDOE will notify the DTC. Reports for procedural errors must be submitted within five working days of the DTC being made aware of the incident.

For improprieties, report as a security incident in ARS. You will need to:

1. Clearly outline the sequence of events;

2. Explain what happened and how it occurred;

3. Include information about how the problem was resolved or remedied;

4. Include the name of the individual who assisted you if DDOE was contacted;

5. Include a district determination in the matter;

6. Include information regarding whether the district wants to invalidate the assessment(s) or submit the test(s) to be scored if the impropriety involved any students potentially gaining an unfair advantage on an assessment; and

7. Provide a plan of action that the district will put into effect to ensure that the incident does not reoccur.

3.7.3 Reporting Requirements for Serious Irregularities (Medium–Irregularity and High–Breach)

The DTC is responsible for investigating all confirmed or alleged testing violations. Districts must submit the required information for irregularities or breaches within five working days of becoming aware of the violation, or contact the DDOE’s Office of Assessment to request an extension of the deadline. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, DDOE may request that the district take certain actions, such as interviewing students or interpreting test results, to ensure a thorough and complete investigation. At a minimum, each of the following items must be completed and submitted by the district to fulfill the state’s requirements for reporting test violations:

1. Assess what occurred.

2. Determine whether state-mandated testing procedures were violated.

3. Identify the level and specific type of security incident (see Appendix C).

4. Complete a security incident report in the Assessment Request System (ARS) following stated procedures and timelines.



5. Interview all individuals who were involved in or may have information about the incident and document, in writing, and must be signed and dated. Include role and title of each party submitting a statement.

6. Complete a summary of events and timeline, who was involved, why the incident occurred, and how the irregularity was discovered. Statements should provide details about how the individual was involved with the reported irregularity. Individuals implicated in an irregularity report should respond to all allegations.

7. Address and resolve all discrepancies (if any) in the information provided by the individuals involved.

8. Note at what school the incident occurred and during which administration, including information such as date, assessment, grade level, and subject area.

9. If DDOE was contacted for guidance, document when the contact was made and to whom you spoke. If the district was granted permission to take a certain action or instructed on how to remedy an error, include that information in your report.

10. If the irregularity involved any examinees potentially gaining an unfair advantage on an assessment, include information regarding whether the district wants to invalidate the assessment or submit the test(s) to be scored.

11. Document and submit to DDOE disciplinary actions taken locally against educators and/or students.

12. Document the steps that the district will take to ensure that the irregularity does not reoccur.

3.7.4 Submitting Incident Documentation to DDOE

The STC will complete the process by submitting a security incident in the ARS system, and the DTC will review and approve the submission. This will send the request to DOE. Additional details on how this application works and how the security incidents are processed is documented in the ARS Training and Users Guide.

In an effort to minimize the burden on districts, supporting documentation is required for all violations. When necessary, users can upload supporting documentation so that all submission requirements can be fulfilled in one step. Because statements from individuals involved require a signature, the physical documentation will need to be converted into an electronic format. Districts able to scan and save these signed statements and supporting documentation into an electronic file (e.g., a portable document file or PDF) are strongly encouraged to use this option. Scanned files can be easily attached during the submission process and then stored locally to meet retention requirements. Although the system accepts up to three attachments, it is preferred that the documentation be combined into just one scanned file.


December 2014

Appendix A: Title 14, Subchapter IV of the Delaware Code


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Title 14, Subchapter IV State Assessment System Security and Violations

§ 170 Definitions.

For purposes of this subchapter only, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

(1) "Assessment administration" means the range of activities from the initial procurement of secure assessment materials including those delivered via the computer through testing and the return of secure assessment materials to the Department or its agents;

(2) "Assessment site" means the physical location of the assessment administration, including a computer lab, classroom, or other room;

(3) "Department" means the Delaware Department of Education;

(4) "Individual" means a student, teacher, administrator, local or state school board member, or other employee, agent or contractor employed by the Delaware public school system whether local or at the state level, and including an employee, agent or contractor of a charter school;

(5) "Log-in" means the process of accessing the assessment website;

(6) "School district" means any school district, special school or charter school created pursuant to the provisions of this title;

(7) "Secure browser" means the computer browser that prevents the student from accessing functions of the computer that are not allowed during assessment;

(8) "State Assessment System" means the assessment program established pursuant to subchapter III of this chapter, including the assessments administered pursuant thereto; and

(9) "Student identification number" means the unique identification number assigned to each student in the State under which his or her student records are maintained.

(73 Del. Laws, c. 81, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 78 Del. Laws, c. 53, §§ 23-25.)

§ 171 Security and data procedures.

(a) The Department shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure the security of the assessment administration, training of personnel and collection and reporting of assessment data.

(b) The Department's rules and regulations shall provide for:

(1) The security of the printed materials during assessment administration and the storage under lock and key of all secure assessment materials, including answer documents, before and after assessment administration;

(2) Procedures to safeguard computer access information and use of the secure browser, including the printing of assessment content;

(3) The proper administration of assessments and the monitoring of assessment administrations by school district personnel; and

(4) Procedures for the accurate and timely collection, storage and retrieval of state assessment system materials and data.

(73 Del. Laws, c. 81, § 1; 78 Del. Laws, c. 53, §§ 26-30.)

§ 172 Assessment behavior violations.

It is an assessment security violation for an individual to fail to follow state assessment system administration procedures promulgated by the Department, and no individual shall:

(1) Give any examinee access to secure assessment items or materials except in the regular course of an authorized administration of the state assessment;

(2) Give unauthorized individuals or other persons access to secure assessment items or materials;



(3) Copy, reproduce, use, or otherwise disclose in any manner inconsistent with assessment security regulations and procedures any portion of the secure assessment materials;

(4) Provide answers during the assessment administration either orally, in writing, or by any other means to an examinee;

(5) Coach any examinee during assessment administration by giving the examinee answers to secure assessment questions or otherwise directing or guiding a response or by altering or interfering with the examinee's response in any way;

(6) Fail to follow security regulations and procedures for the storage, distribution, collection and return of secure assessment materials or fail to account for all secure assessment materials before, during and after assessment administration;

(7) Fail to properly monitor assessment administration, including permitting inappropriate collaboration between or among individuals; fail to remove or cover nonallowable resources from the assessment site during the assessment administration; or fail to destroy scratch paper used by students during the assessment administration;

(8) Fail to prohibit students from accessing or using electronic equipment (e.g., cellular phones, personal digital assistant devices, iPods, electronic translators), other than those authorized for use by the Department for the assessment administration;

(9) Fail to confirm proper identification of students being administered the assessment or intentionally give a student the wrong student identification number during the log-in, causing any student to log in and take the assessment under another student's records;

(10) Fail to collect and destroy any materials bearing student identification number(s) and student name(s) used to provide student(s) with this information during the assessment administration;

(11) Produce unauthorized copies of assessment content from the computer website; fail to properly destroy authorized copies; or allow copies to be taken outside the assessment site;

(12) Allow assessment administration by unauthorized personnel or personnel who have not received assessment administration certification;

(13) Administer secure assessments on dates other than those authorized by the Department;

(14) Participate in, direct, aid, counsel, assist, encourage or fail to report any of the acts prohibited in this subchapter; or

(15) Refuse to disclose to the Department information regarding assessment security violations; or

(16) Refuse to cooperate in the investigation of a suspected breach of assessment security, whether such investigation is conducted by a school district or the Department. The investigation shall include a review of mitigating circumstances, if applicable.

(73 Del. Laws, c. 81, § 1; 78 Del. Laws, c. 53, §§ 31-41.)

§ 173 Data reporting violations.

School districts and individuals shall not:

(1) Fail to report assessment scores, numbers of students administered the assessments any other data element required to be reported to the Department;

(2) Report incorrect or otherwise inaccurate assessment scores, numbers of students administered the assessments or any other data element required to be reported to the Department;

(3) Exclude a student from participation in the state assessment except in accordance with the regulations of the Department;

(4) Refuse to disclose to the Department information concerning a violation of the foregoing data reporting requirements; or

(5) Refuse to cooperate in the investigation of a suspected data reporting violation, whether such investigation is conducted by a school district or the Department. The investigation shall include a review of mitigating circumstances, if applicable.

(73 Del. Laws, c. 81, § 1; 78 Del. Laws, c. 53, §§ 42, 43.)



§ 174 Civil sanctions for violations.

(a) A student who violates any of the provisions of § 172 of this title shall be subject to the following:

(1) At the discretion of the Department, the assessment score of such student may be invalidated and the student may be declared ineligible to retake the assessment until the next official testing opportunity; and

(2) Such disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the student's school district.

(b) An individual other than a student who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this subchapter shall be subject to the following:

(1) Such personnel sanctions as might otherwise be imposed by the individual's employer for an act of misconduct;

(2) A hearing conducted by the Professional Standards Board to determine revocation of any license issued to such individual pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12 of this title; and

(3) Payment of any costs incurred by the State or Department as a result of the violation.

(73 Del. Laws, c. 81, § 1; 78 Del. Laws, c. 53, § 44.)


December 2014

Appendix B: Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreements


December 2014 Page | B-1

Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreement – District Superintendent/Charter School Chief

Complete Prior to Test Administration – Security Certification

I do hereby certify that I have received and read the DeSSA Test Security Manual governing the Assessment System supported by Subchapter IV, Chapter 1, Title 14 of the Delaware Code, and do hereby certify the following:

(Initial each statement.)

_____ That I understand my obligations concerning the security and confidentiality of all DeSSA assessments.

_____ That I was aware of the range of penalties that may result from a departure from the documented test administration procedures for the state assessments, and I am aware of the range of penalties that may result from a violation of test security and confidentiality.

_____ That no person has in any way copied or reproduced any part of a secure test without expressed written permission from the Delaware Department of Education.

_____ That no person has copied or reproduced any part of a student response to a secure test except as explicitly specified in the instructions for the assessment.

_____ That no person has revealed any of the contents of the assessment instrument except where authorized by the procedures governing administration of a test.

_____ That no person has corrected or altered student responses to the assessment instrument or provided assistance with responses to the assessment instrument.

_____ That no unauthorized person has inspected or viewed any part of the assessment.

I do hereby further certify, warrant, and affirm that I will faithfully and fully comply with all requirements concerning test security and security and confidentiality. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Signature of District Superintendent/ Printed Name of District Superintendent/ Charter School Chief Charter School Chief _____________________________ _________________________ _____________ District Name School Name Date

After all testing for your district has been completed and all materials have been returned, sign and date the Nondisclosure Agreement on page 2 (on back).



Sign After the Test Window – Nondisclosure Agreement

After all testing has been completed and all secure materials have been returned to the administrator/designee, sign and date the statement below.

I do hereby certify, warrant, and affirm that I have fully complied with all the requirements governing the assessment system test administration and that I have reported any suspected violations of test security or confidentiality to the School Test Coordinator or administrator.

Furthermore, I have read and agree to abide by Subchapter IV, Chapter 1, Title 14 of the Delaware Code which enumerates possible violations of test security and provides the sanctions for such violations. Specifically, I agree not to

a. Disclose, describe, or discuss specific test/assessment questions verbally, in writing, or by any other means to any other person.

b. Copy, reproduce, use, or otherwise disclose any portion of secure test/assessment materials in any manner inconsistent with test security regulations and procedures.

c. Give any examinee access to secure test/assessment items or materials except in the regular course of an authorized administration of the assessment(s).

d. Give unauthorized individuals or other persons access to secure test items or assessment materials.

By signing my name to this document, I am assuring the Delaware Department of Education and its contractor(s) that I will abide by the above conditions. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of District Superintendent/ Printed/Typed Name Charter School Chief _____________________________ Date Retain this form at the district level.



Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreement – District Test Coordinator




_____ I have received training on the appropriate administration of the state assessments.

_____ I will read all coordinator directions and applicable manuals governing the administration of the student assessment program.

_____ I will train the appropriate district personnel or ensure that appropriate district personnel are trained in general test administration procedures.

_____ I will train the appropriate district personnel or ensure that appropriate district personnel are trained in testing procedures specific to each administration during the 2014–2015 school year.

_____ I understand my obligations concerning the security and confidentiality of the tests.

_____ I am aware of the range of penalties that may result from a departure from the documented test administration procedures for the state assessments, and I am aware of the range of penalties that may result from a violation of test security and confidentiality.

_____ I am aware of my obligation to report any suspected violations of test security to the district superintendent and the Delaware Department of Education.

I do hereby further certify, warrant, and affirm that I will faithfully and fully comply with all requirements concerning test security and security and confidentiality.

___________________________________ ___________________________________ Signature of District Test Coordinator Printed Name of District Test Coordinator _____________________________ _________________________ _____________ District Name Date Telephone #












By signing my name to this document, I am assuring the Delaware Department of Education and its contractor(s) that I will abide by the above conditions. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of District Test Coordinator Printed/Typed Name _____________________________ Date Retain this form at the district level.



Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreement – Principal




_____ I have received training in test security and general testing procedures for all state assessment programs administered in this school.

_____ All appropriate school personnel will be trained and will sign a test security and nondisclosure agreement.

_____ I am aware of my obligations concerning the proper administration of each assessment.

_____ I understand my obligations concerning the security and confidentiality of the state assessments.

_____ I am aware of the range of penalties that may result from a violation of test security and confidentiality.


___________________________________ ___________________________________ Signature of Principal Printed Name of Principal _____________________________ _________________________ _____________ District Name School Name Date












By signing my name to this document, I am assuring the Delaware Department of Education and its contractor(s) that I will abide by the above conditions. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of Principal Printed/Typed Name _____________________________ Date Return this form to the district level.



Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreement – School Test Coordinator




_____ I have received training on the appropriate administration of the state assessments.

_____ I will read all coordinator directions and applicable manuals governing the administration of the student assessment program.

_____ I will train the appropriate school personnel or ensure that appropriate school personnel are trained in general test administration procedures.

_____ I will train the appropriate school personnel or ensure that appropriate school personnel are trained in testing procedures specific to each administration during the 2014–2015 school year.

_____ I understand my obligations concerning the security and confidentiality of the state assessments.

_____ I am aware of the range of penalties that may result from a violation of test security and confidentiality.

_____ I am aware of my obligation to report any suspected violations of test security to the District Test Coordinator.


___________________________________ ___________________________________ Signature of School Test Coordinator Printed Name of School Test Coordinator _____________________________ _________________________ _____________ District Name School Name Date












By signing my name to this document, I am assuring the Delaware Department of Education and its contractor(s) that I will abide by the above conditions. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of School Test Coordinator Printed/Typed Name _____________________________ Date Return this form to the district level.



Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreement – Test Administrator




_____ I have received training on test administration procedures, and I understand my responsibilities concerning the administration of state assessments.

_____ I am aware that testing procedures require me to actively monitor during test administrations.

_____ I understand my responsibilities as a Test Administrator, and I am aware of the range of penalties that may result from a departure from the documented test administration procedures;

_____ I understand my obligations concerning the security and confidentiality of state assessments, and I am aware of the range of penalties that may result from a violation of test security and confidentiality.

_____ I am aware of my obligation to report any suspected violations of test security or confidentiality to the school testing coordinator.


___________________________________ ___________________________________ Signature of Test Administrator Printed Name of Test Administrator _____________________________ _________________________ _____________ District Name School Name Date












By signing my name to this document, I am assuring the Delaware Department of Education and its contractor(s) that I will abide by the above conditions. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of Test Administrator Printed/Typed Name _____________________________ Date Return this form to the district level.



Test Security and Nondisclosure Agreement – Support Staff




_____ I have read the test security and confidentiality policies in the test administration materials, and I understand my obligation to maintain and preserve the security and confidentiality of all tests.

_____ I understand that student information is confidential and that I am obligated to maintain and preserve the confidentiality of this information.

_____ I am aware of my obligation to report any suspected violations of test security or confidentiality to the school testing coordinator.

_____ I am aware that release or disclosure of confidential test items could result in prosecution under the Delaware Administrative Code.


___________________________________ ___________________________________ Signature of School Support Staff Printed Name of School Support Staff _____________________________ _________________________ _____________ District Name School Name Date












By signing my name to this document, I am assuring the Delaware Department of Education and its contractor(s) that I will abide by the above conditions. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of School Support Staff Printed/Typed Name _____________________________ Date Return this form to the district level.


December 2014

Appendix C: Test Security Chart


December 2014 Page | C-1

Test Security Chart

The Test Security Chart shows the test security incident levels and examples of types of issues.

Level of Severity/ Potential Effect on Test Security Types of Issues

LOW

Impropriety

Student(s) making distracting gestures/sounds or talking during the test session that creates a disruption in the testing session for other students.

Student(s) leave the test room without authorization.

Administrators or coordinators leaving related instructional materials on the walls in the testing room.

MEDIUM

Irregularity

Student cheating or providing answers to each other, including passing notes, giving help to other students during testing, or using hand-held electronic devices to exchange information.

Student(s) accessing the Internet or any unauthorized software or applications during a testing event.

Student(s) accessing or using unauthorized electronic equipment (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, iPods, or electronic translators) during testing.

Disruptions to a testing session such as a fire drill, school-wide power outage, earthquake, or other acts.

Administrator or Coordinators failing to ensure administration and supervision of the Smarter assessment by qualified, trained personnel.

Administrator gives incorrect instructions that are not corrected prior to testing.

Administrator or teacher does not present Classroom Activity prior to performance task administration.

Administrator or Coordinator giving out his/her username/password (via email or otherwise), including to other authorized users.

Administrator allowing students to continue testing beyond the close of the testing window.

Administrator or teacher coaching or providing any other type of assistance to students that may affect their responses. This includes both verbal cues (e.g., interpreting, explaining, or paraphrasing the test items or prompts) and nonverbal cues (e.g., voice inflection, pointing, or nodding head) to the correct answer. This also includes leading students through instructional strategies such as think-aloud, asking students to point to the correct answer or otherwise identify the source of their answer, or requiring students to show their work.

Administrator providing students with nonallowable materials or devices during test administration or allowing inappropriate designated supports and/or accommodations during test administration.

Administrator allowing anyone other than a student to log into the test unless prescribed as an allowable accommodation in the student’s IEP. This includes TAs or other staff using student information to log in or allowing a student to log in using another student’s information.

Administrator providing a student access to another student’s work/ responses.


December 2014 Page | C-2

Level of Severity/ Potential Effect on Test Security Types of Issues

HIGH

BREACH

Administrator or Coordinator modifying student responses or records at any time.

The live Student Interface or TA Interface being used for practice instead of the Training or Practice Tests.

Administrator or student posting items or test materials on social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).

Administrator allowing students to take home test items, reading passages, writing prompts, or scratch paper that was used during the test or failing to otherwise securely store test materials.

Administrator or student copying, discussing, or otherwise retaining test items, reading passages, writing prompts, or answers for any reason. This includes the use of photocopiers or digital, electronic, or manual devices to record or communicate a test item. This also includes using secure test items, modified secure test items, reading passages, writing prompts, or answer keys for instructional purposes.

Secure test materials being shared with the media (such as the writing prompts, test items, or reading passages) or media is allowed to observe a secure test administration.

Administrator, Coordinator, or student improperly removing secure testing materials such as test items, stimuli, reading passages, writing prompts, or scratch paper from the testing environment.


December 2014

Appendix D: What to Do When Guide


December 2014 Page | D-1

Before Testing

Description What to Do

1. A student is chronically truant. Do not submit incident report. No exemptions will be granted.

2. A student is present at school but refuses to take the test any time during the testing window.

Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application for the individual student for the affected tests.

3. A student is being treated as in-patent in a non-DSCYF mental health facility during the testing window.

Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application. Keep letter from the doctor on file at the district office.

4. A student was recently released from a mental health facility, and his or her doctor believes the student should not test.


5. A student is not showing for the school in which he/she is currently enrolled.

Review DELSIS 2.0 and eSchool. If the student is correct in these applications, submit a data review in the Assessment Request Application to your STC and submission to DOE for review.

6. A student does not show correct accommodations in DeSSA TIDE.

Review Assessment Accommodations to make sure all accommodations are correct. If the accommodations are correct, submit a data review in the Assessment Request Application to your STC and submission to DOE for review.

7. A student is hospitalized or homebound with a serious or terminal illness.


8. There is a death in the family before or during the testing window.

Determine whether the child can be tested at the end of the testing window—if that will not be feasible, submit an exemption.

9. A student is in a DSCYF juvenile detention facility.

Do not submit an exemption. Make sure student has a home school record associated with your district and the student has been enrolled at detention facility.

10. A student is in a court-ordered private placement in-state.

Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application. Keep letter from facility on file in district office. If the student does return, he or she must be given the opportunity to test.

11. A student is in a court-ordered private placement out of state.

Submit a request for an exemption in the Assessment Request Application. Keep letter from facility on file in district office. If the student does return, he or she must be given the opportunity to test.

12. A student is in DAPI or Consortium Discipline Alternative Program (CDAP).

Student will be tested at current CDAP facility. Make sure student has home school record and the CDAP facility has entered the student record for its facility.

13. A student is in an adult prison. Submit a request for exemption in the Assessment Request Application.

14. A student delivers a baby shortly before or during testing.

Submit a request for exemption in the Assessment Request Application. Keep letter from doctor on file at the district office.




15. A student who wears glasses or takes medication on a daily basis is without them on testing day.

Postpone testing for student and have student take test at a later time in the testing window.

16. A student qualifies for English as a Second Language (ESL) services, but the student’s parent/guardian/caregiver has withdrawn him or her from ESL services. Can this student have testing accommodations? Can this student qualify for an exemption in the ELA/literacy assessment?

If a student meets the criteria to be identified as an ELL and receives ESL services, a student may receive ELL accommodations even if parent/guardian/caregiver has withdrawn the student from ESL services. Please see the Guidelines for Inclusions for ELL Students to determine whether a student can be excluded from the ELA/literacy assessment.

During Testing


1. A student becomes sick during testing. Pause student test and allow student to return during make-up session(s) to finish test.

2. A student is removed from test session due to student misbehavior.

Pause student test and allow student to return during make-up session(s) to finish test.

3. A student is given a test accommodation that is not in his or her IEP.

Submit an incident report in the ARS indicating name(s) and ID numbers of students involved. Indicate which accommodations were incorrectly provided. The student test will be reset so the student is able to take the test with appropriate accommodations only if a student has taken few than six test questions.

4. A student starts a test without his/her accommodations available on the test.

Submit an incident report in the ARS indicating name(s) and ID numbers of students involved and request a test reset. Make sure all accommodations are correct in Assessment Accommodations and then successfully transferred to DESSA TIDE for specific student. The student’s test will be reset so the student is able to take the test with appropriate accommodations only if a student has taken fewer than six test questions.

5. A testing behavior violation occurs. Report incident in the Assessment Request Application to the district’s DTC, who will contact the DOE Office of Assessment. The School Administrator or District Administrator should submit an online incident report. Refer to test security manual.

6. A student is cheating. Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application. Enforce district policies for student misconduct.

7. It is identified that a student who has test accommodations has not been provided one or more of these accommodations during a test session.

Submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application. Make sure the student is provided with appropriate accommodations for any remaining test sessions. The student will only be reset if they meet the new reset criteria.

8. A student moves out of the school before all test sessions are completed.

Student can complete testing in new district if moving within the state—no action is necessary.




9. A student moves into the school in middle of testing window. He or she has completed part of the test in previous school.

Identify which test (content) sessions the student has or has not completed by reviewing the DeSSA Online Reporting System (ORS) Plan and Manage testing participation reports, and test the student in make-up test sessions if the student’s class has already tested.

10. A student registers in school from out of state during testing window.

The student should be administered all tests that he or she can complete before the testing window has ended. If the student needs accommodations, the Assessment Accommodations application will always remain open, and all accommodations can be entered at any time.

11. The building experiences a fire drill, emergency situation, or extended power outage.

The TA should ensure student safety and pause the test if time permits. Testing should be continued when order is restored if time permits. If not, a new test session must be scheduled to give the students sufficient time to complete the test.

12. The building experiences a fire drill, emergency situation, or extended power outage or computer issue, and students are unable to return to review tests before the pause time expires.

If the students were unable to access their tests before the pause rule expired, submit an incident report in the Assessment Request Application identifying all students affected and request a re-open. See examples below.


December 2014

Appendix E: What to Do After Testing for Students


December 2014 Page | E-1

What to Do After Testing for Students

When administering an untimed test, students will finish at different times. What students are allowed to do while other students finish is a dilemma. Here is DOE’s list of recommended, suggested, and prohibited activities. This list is not complete. If you have doubts about the appropriateness of an activity, contact Carolyn Lazar at [email protected].

Activity Status Rationale

Leave the testing room and report back to regularly scheduled activity

Recommended Student instructional time is not wasted

Leave the testing room and report to pre-designated, monitored holding area, with or without a scheduled activity

Suggested Students are engaged

Sit quietly in their seats Allowed This will be conducive to a quiet testing environment for others but will be difficult for many students

Read a preapproved book or preassigned material not related to the tested subject

Suggested Quiet, not a major security risk

Write in a journal, diary, or on any paper

Prohibited Security risk that students may transmit item content

Listen to music on their IPod, etc. Prohibited Electronic devices are not allowed in the testing room

Use their cell phone Prohibited Electronic devices are not allowed in the testing room

Play video games on the computer Prohibited Too distracting to other students

Use the computer to research answers to questions they missed

Prohibited Security risk with other students still testing

Use the computer to communicate Prohibited Security risk that students may transmit item content

Use the computer for any other reason Not recommended Too difficult to monitor

Talk or signal to other students Prohibited Too distracting to other students and security risk

Move about the testing room Prohibited Too distracting to other students

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

DeSSA Test Security Manual